tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149700962017-08-06T08:27:42.320-03:00A Gypsy's JourneyVivir en la Tierra es caro pero ello incluye un viaje gratis alrededor del sol cada año. (Anónimo)
Living on Earth is expensive but it includes a free trip around the sun each year. (Anonymous)Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.comBlogger254125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-48783213104334507502016-12-07T06:13:00.001-03:002016-12-07T06:22:28.083-03:00My Home Away From Home, Tokyo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2s1e4orblew/WEfJfgK-2aI/AAAAAAAACuc/avC58pC2ywYSgQe3cse-SWa1kDBt1DzrwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2s1e4orblew/WEfJfgK-2aI/AAAAAAAACuc/avC58pC2ywYSgQe3cse-SWa1kDBt1DzrwCPcB/s200/IMG_0408.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;The apartment, is very central, between Shinjuku and Shibuya and is a lovely place to be. It is extremely large by Japanese standards, more expat than local I am sure. The kitchen is larger than my little space at home!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRYdTZwdSuY/WEfJfq2O83I/AAAAAAAACuc/pFpFhyXBFnw3xTEBSM37W6SAbJbpub-MQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRYdTZwdSuY/WEfJfq2O83I/AAAAAAAACuc/pFpFhyXBFnw3xTEBSM37W6SAbJbpub-MQCPcB/s200/IMG_0406.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>My bedroom<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1KqLVsfaO0A/WEfJfqSl_II/AAAAAAAACuc/8krX0COv5rswOvfNcK4NTnIOY0A6R92cgCPcB/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1KqLVsfaO0A/WEfJfqSl_II/AAAAAAAACuc/8krX0COv5rswOvfNcK4NTnIOY0A6R92cgCPcB/s200/IMG_0404.JPG" width="200" /></a>A balcony with lots of sunshine and a garden view. &nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVxDYxS1bVw/WEfJfgDbMvI/AAAAAAAACuc/coPpJH89TaUd-lI0RgupvkDzJnpZTfp0gCPcB/s1600/IMG_0402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5-rTKBh6wE/WEfJfgV5x7I/AAAAAAAACuc/xysZOs7k-7YaWbtF_fymdxPzPke1DxFIwCPcB/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v5-rTKBh6wE/WEfJfgV5x7I/AAAAAAAACuc/xysZOs7k-7YaWbtF_fymdxPzPke1DxFIwCPcB/s320/IMG_0400.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The entrance and the garden are lovely , but carrying my suitcase through wasn't much fun.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkWRLb_qHac/WEfJfg6XCCI/AAAAAAAACuc/pQDhqbswBjoDuuQ_uQVZxhsee5klzQsjQCPcB/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lkWRLb_qHac/WEfJfg6XCCI/AAAAAAAACuc/pQDhqbswBjoDuuQ_uQVZxhsee5klzQsjQCPcB/s320/IMG_0403.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ3rz9h4bq0/WEfJfr2fFHI/AAAAAAAACuc/Rpozp9k2s-0uvV9MNoolP59vUoPbOZ24gCPcB/s1600/IMG_0401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KQ3rz9h4bq0/WEfJfr2fFHI/AAAAAAAACuc/Rpozp9k2s-0uvV9MNoolP59vUoPbOZ24gCPcB/s320/IMG_0401.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TVxDYxS1bVw/WEfJfgDbMvI/AAAAAAAACuc/coPpJH89TaUd-lI0RgupvkDzJnpZTfp0gCPcB/s320/IMG_0402.JPG" width="320" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-70737740541400384482016-01-04T12:37:00.001-03:002016-01-04T12:37:21.164-03:00New Year's Day Portobello Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdBFCP-lcCI/VoqOxzgdfbI/AAAAAAAAB98/BVs4InPEVJQ/s1600/P1010676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VdBFCP-lcCI/VoqOxzgdfbI/AAAAAAAAB98/BVs4InPEVJQ/s200/P1010676.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;On most mornings Portobello beach looks a little like this, although usually there are a number of dog walkers and other brave souls. On the weekends, particularly on a "nice" day there are lots of people strolling along the promenade enjoying the views and the VERY fresh air.<br /><br /><br /><br />But on New Years day there was an air of expectancy as many lined up at the food stands and grabbed a hot coffee before heading down the promenade, camers or phone in hand to watch the spectacle of the day.<br /><br />There were lots more spectators and phones, cameras and tablets all focused on the line up of, sometimes oddly dressed, people waiting for the 1 o'clock count down before they headed for the water. It was cold enough standing watching and waiting, I can't even imagine what the water was like - although I have swum in Antarctica, so I guess I am just as crazy.<br /><br />Happy New Year everyone.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHdQyXRQrl8/VoqOsYeOSMI/AAAAAAAAB90/mnKh3E6qvmc/s1600/IMG_0640.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHdQyXRQrl8/VoqOsYeOSMI/AAAAAAAAB90/mnKh3E6qvmc/s200/IMG_0640.PNG" width="112" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCnL8uqRuOE/VoqO4hTQZzI/AAAAAAAAB-E/ZTF9fWuZ9lY/s1600/P1010689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gCnL8uqRuOE/VoqO4hTQZzI/AAAAAAAAB-E/ZTF9fWuZ9lY/s200/P1010689.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ebHzbHfatg/VoqPUNnbqzI/AAAAAAAAB-c/L_N-zxbrV2Q/s1600/P1010696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ebHzbHfatg/VoqPUNnbqzI/AAAAAAAAB-c/L_N-zxbrV2Q/s200/P1010696.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzqAX_EMwFM/VoqPRDkEJiI/AAAAAAAAB-U/1HCboyHmicc/s1600/P1010697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SzqAX_EMwFM/VoqPRDkEJiI/AAAAAAAAB-U/1HCboyHmicc/s200/P1010697.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2w3p_5uikTQ/VoqPQruy9BI/AAAAAAAAB-M/84G7zm7qVmM/s1600/P1010698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2w3p_5uikTQ/VoqPQruy9BI/AAAAAAAAB-M/84G7zm7qVmM/s200/P1010698.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-16438293409243311142016-01-04T12:23:00.001-03:002016-01-04T12:23:10.211-03:00Deja Vu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6f97oIf1f_c/VoZo2ObDJMI/AAAAAAAAB8c/VZ5OaSv4B5I/s1600/P1010456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6f97oIf1f_c/VoZo2ObDJMI/AAAAAAAAB8c/VZ5OaSv4B5I/s200/P1010456.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is something about Edinburgh that sings to me.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since my visit all those years ago, it has been a place that I have always wanted to return to, and this visit has just made the feeling all that much stronger. There are many cities I have visited and enjoyed, but none have had the same effect as this city.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just love the Old Town. The buildings with their crooked walls and narrow winding staircases. Buildings narrow and tall and not quite straight, or wide with layer upon layer of floors all slightly different, some jutting out over the Royal Mile. All so different and charming in their own way - though I don't think I would&nbsp; enjoy running up and down those staircases on a daily basis now! I love the rough cobblestones, so hard to walk on and noisy under traffic and the closes and wynds that run between the buildings and the various levels of the city.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am enchanted by the skyline of chimney pots, turrets, gargoyles, cupolas and carvings, the varied colours of the stonework. Edinburgh has the feeling of a city so old, with so much history that it just oozes charm and mystery.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am sure that I have had a previous life here - maybe as a gutter urchin, who knows?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_XSRDbv51o/VoZo7BtD8yI/AAAAAAAAB8s/2HH2645ughQ/s1600/P1010470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r_XSRDbv51o/VoZo7BtD8yI/AAAAAAAAB8s/2HH2645ughQ/s200/P1010470.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cVe0jhbYMs/VoZo2pds-jI/AAAAAAAAB8g/vI0bTuJjbgM/s1600/P1010576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0cVe0jhbYMs/VoZo2pds-jI/AAAAAAAAB8g/vI0bTuJjbgM/s200/P1010576.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmEjoOEF3kw/VoZpNMWf0nI/AAAAAAAAB9I/_G5yPTATP84/s1600/P1010591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmEjoOEF3kw/VoZpNMWf0nI/AAAAAAAAB9I/_G5yPTATP84/s200/P1010591.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kb69svK_CrE/VoqIiE7PLyI/AAAAAAAAB9c/OeM93ijJgIU/s1600/P1010666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kb69svK_CrE/VoqIiE7PLyI/AAAAAAAAB9c/OeM93ijJgIU/s200/P1010666.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9KhwN6fwOo/VoZpHL70kjI/AAAAAAAAB80/xVpqvhQt1LA/s1600/P1010586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9KhwN6fwOo/VoZpHL70kjI/AAAAAAAAB80/xVpqvhQt1LA/s200/P1010586.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-73261779971336612582015-12-30T10:09:00.001-03:002015-12-30T10:09:38.135-03:00Greyfriars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-As96o5SWx84/VoPR9sZvMLI/AAAAAAAAB8M/vXvpZD7xpXg/s1600/P1010606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-As96o5SWx84/VoPR9sZvMLI/AAAAAAAAB8M/vXvpZD7xpXg/s200/P1010606.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;Greyfriars is on of Edinburgh's most famous churches and was opened for worship in 1620, and in 1638 the National Covenant was signed here, which affirmed the independence of the Scottish Church.<br /><br />Many of the headstones form part of the rear walls of adjoining properties, and the remains of the Flodden wall can be found here also. This is one of the few remaining fragments of the old city wall built in the early 16th century as protection against a feared British invasion.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqDhEoHPMNM/VoPO_0Q9REI/AAAAAAAAB7I/yDUJgErcKuo/s1600/P1010609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DqDhEoHPMNM/VoPO_0Q9REI/AAAAAAAAB7I/yDUJgErcKuo/s200/P1010609.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9tNxQZM5WcE/VoPPeG6W82I/AAAAAAAAB7g/N7NqAop48B0/s1600/P1010614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9tNxQZM5WcE/VoPPeG6W82I/AAAAAAAAB7g/N7NqAop48B0/s200/P1010614.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoiJzE5b0m4/VoPPqWSnS3I/AAAAAAAAB7o/FsF6yY9Ck6I/s1600/P1010617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EoiJzE5b0m4/VoPPqWSnS3I/AAAAAAAAB7o/FsF6yY9Ck6I/s200/P1010617.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;Many famous Scots are buried within the kirkyard, but probably the most notorious is Greyfriars Bobby, a wee Skye terrier, who from 1858 to 1872, maintained vigil over the grave of his master, an Edinburgh police officer. His story was later told in a novel by Eleanor Atkinson and a statue can be found outside the church yard, although his grave is just inside the entrance.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw1ku5dj8CA/VoPP1mE4GvI/AAAAAAAAB7w/VZVcIcNJi4Q/s1600/P1010618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sw1ku5dj8CA/VoPP1mE4GvI/AAAAAAAAB7w/VZVcIcNJi4Q/s200/P1010618.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--tMhB-cR6ac/VoPQHjEq3vI/AAAAAAAAB74/7V5cnJHLQsw/s1600/P1010623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--tMhB-cR6ac/VoPQHjEq3vI/AAAAAAAAB74/7V5cnJHLQsw/s200/P1010623.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtVcroA9kTM/VoPQZFmbF4I/AAAAAAAAB8A/8YJqhXwvPdY/s1600/P1010624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jtVcroA9kTM/VoPQZFmbF4I/AAAAAAAAB8A/8YJqhXwvPdY/s320/P1010624.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-84902235980148329532015-12-30T08:29:00.000-03:002015-12-30T08:29:12.698-03:00Edinburgh's Closes and Wynds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFzouw-KdrY/VoO3BSeUthI/AAAAAAAAB6U/ysvEmU92sWc/s1600/P1010225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tFzouw-KdrY/VoO3BSeUthI/AAAAAAAAB6U/ysvEmU92sWc/s200/P1010225.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>&nbsp;Branching off from the Royal Mile are numerous alleyways, known as "closes" or "wynds". The narrow alleyways lead north and south from the mile and are narrow passageway between the high tenements and are a remnant from medieval days when the whole city was a mass of confusing alleyways.<br /><br /><br />A close provided entry to a tenement, and sometimes access&nbsp; to the rear of the building. There was often a gate across the entrance that could be locked at night to "close" the alleyway.<br /><br />One of the most famous of Edinburgh's closes, now a popular tourist attraction, Mary King's Close, was notable for a particularly gruesome event n the 17th century. In 1645 many residents of the close fell victim to the plague, and so in order to try and contain the disease, city officials bricked up the entranceway to the alley, leaving the residents within to slowly perish. It was never re-opened and eventually built over but the guided tours now take you down through the various layers of the tenements to the steeply sloping close. They are lead by guides in period costume who tell the stories of the various layers of life and society. Unfortunately no photos are allowed as the building overhead is a Government one! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMCn_14-_r4/VoO3AAqr80I/AAAAAAAAB6M/9ftGIDuZtHs/s1600/P1010573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMCn_14-_r4/VoO3AAqr80I/AAAAAAAAB6M/9ftGIDuZtHs/s200/P1010573.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ppyb8_at56w/VoO3ddR_SgI/AAAAAAAAB6c/HR8-EpwJnyc/s1600/P1010655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ppyb8_at56w/VoO3ddR_SgI/AAAAAAAAB6c/HR8-EpwJnyc/s200/P1010655.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;A wynd is a thoroughfare, open at both ends often between the various levels of the old town, usually very steep and filled with steps. Going down is fine, but I usually find an easier way of heading up. The arch over many of the alleys is known as a pend and adds to the charm.<br /><br />Now many closes are much more open, often at both ends, although there are still quite a number gated and leading to residences.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIfz3nNcMbo/VoO37LEQuzI/AAAAAAAAB6s/P5uF_TB2xdA/s1600/P1010666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EIfz3nNcMbo/VoO37LEQuzI/AAAAAAAAB6s/P5uF_TB2xdA/s320/P1010666.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UYIwBMjYego/VoO3t2HSU-I/AAAAAAAAB6k/ffmAnikYdFE/s1600/P1010673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UYIwBMjYego/VoO3t2HSU-I/AAAAAAAAB6k/ffmAnikYdFE/s200/P1010673.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-lxiOvQzaQ/VoO5CUU062I/AAAAAAAAB64/umXJHpVUeD0/s1600/P1010603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-lxiOvQzaQ/VoO5CUU062I/AAAAAAAAB64/umXJHpVUeD0/s200/P1010603.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-28031576944630890592015-12-24T13:30:00.001-03:002015-12-24T13:30:36.735-03:00The Stirling Unicorn Tapestries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhNRiuhInpE/VnwYnN-pR7I/AAAAAAAAB5M/r0ZfWVpBxe8/s1600/P1010514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mhNRiuhInpE/VnwYnN-pR7I/AAAAAAAAB5M/r0ZfWVpBxe8/s320/P1010514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;These magnificent hand woven tapestries hanging in the Queen's Inner Hall have taken 14 years to weave with the final tapestry completed just last year.<br /><br />There are seven tapestries in all and they tell the story of a unicorn hunted and killed by a group of huntsmen and dogs, and are based on a set of Renaissance tapestries woven around 1500 and held at the Cloisters Museum in New York.<br /><br />The Unicorn was an important&nbsp; mythical beast believed to be both powerful and pure, and could only be tamed by a maiden, In the late medieval period the unicorn was adopted as a supporter of the Scottish royal coat of arms and it was known that JamesV owned several sets of tapestries depicting unicorns.<br />These tapestries have been woven by hand over the 14 years, using traditional techniques dating back to the 1400s and are absolutely beautiful.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd1uQNkj8Xo/VnwY2fKT-gI/AAAAAAAAB5c/ZsSG8FsOQkE/s1600/P1010517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd1uQNkj8Xo/VnwY2fKT-gI/AAAAAAAAB5c/ZsSG8FsOQkE/s320/P1010517.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvUjS0qDsO8/VnwZFpCOjGI/AAAAAAAAB5k/do7BAcZTt4o/s1600/P1010518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvUjS0qDsO8/VnwZFpCOjGI/AAAAAAAAB5k/do7BAcZTt4o/s320/P1010518.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1t4HJEeVLiw/VnwZIOlvJcI/AAAAAAAAB5s/mGS4S3_UI4w/s1600/P1010519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1t4HJEeVLiw/VnwZIOlvJcI/AAAAAAAAB5s/mGS4S3_UI4w/s320/P1010519.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJe_W9VqPw0/VnwZRAm3n0I/AAAAAAAAB50/De9jCDa_FUQ/s1600/P1010522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJe_W9VqPw0/VnwZRAm3n0I/AAAAAAAAB50/De9jCDa_FUQ/s320/P1010522.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XK93A7Om1Vk/VnwZZLyDIWI/AAAAAAAAB58/rQRdzbpQ6gQ/s1600/P1010523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XK93A7Om1Vk/VnwZZLyDIWI/AAAAAAAAB58/rQRdzbpQ6gQ/s320/P1010523.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-1920253447866003692015-12-24T13:02:00.001-03:002015-12-24T13:02:25.806-03:00Stirling Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CIl2x2vLCv8/VnwOTOizSHI/AAAAAAAAB4I/WyBYGH8R490/s1600/P1010475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CIl2x2vLCv8/VnwOTOizSHI/AAAAAAAAB4I/WyBYGH8R490/s200/P1010475.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;It was bucketing rain as I got off the train in Stirling, and the Castle holds a high, imposing position overlooking the surrounding area, so taxi it was to the top. What an amazing place it is.<br />Historic Scotland has been restoring the place to how it may have looked in 1540 , when it was occupied by&nbsp; Mary of Guise, the widow of James V, and their infant daughter. Mary Queens of Scots. There is so much to see from the renovation and restoration of the royal apartments to the tapestries and the story of their creation&nbsp; - another post for those. The colours are vibrant and the building springs to life&nbsp; creating quite a different castle experience. Thank goodness the rain did finally clear, so I did get to see a little of the exterior and of the town of Stirling. The exterior of the castle is very imposing with it's hundreds of statues and carvings adorning the walks and walls. The restoration brings history to life.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPmRFJ5OYOo/VnwQpILKpSI/AAAAAAAAB48/9yh6DQDz7MY/s1600/P1010555%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FPmRFJ5OYOo/VnwQpILKpSI/AAAAAAAAB48/9yh6DQDz7MY/s200/P1010555%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFaAKAouLXU/VnwPY_ei4VI/AAAAAAAAB4U/PzMgcIaVl18/s1600/P1010493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AFaAKAouLXU/VnwPY_ei4VI/AAAAAAAAB4U/PzMgcIaVl18/s200/P1010493.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QNV2Kui8yY/VnwPawZeMJI/AAAAAAAAB4c/uQF88TSb-YA/s1600/P1010494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2QNV2Kui8yY/VnwPawZeMJI/AAAAAAAAB4c/uQF88TSb-YA/s200/P1010494.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSR050EmE64/VnwPbcumpeI/AAAAAAAAB4g/cbhf9SpJRp4/s1600/P1010502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jSR050EmE64/VnwPbcumpeI/AAAAAAAAB4g/cbhf9SpJRp4/s200/P1010502.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFZ7RDj2COY/VnwPxOUEjpI/AAAAAAAAB4s/0rfFBeJn5oE/s1600/P1010506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xFZ7RDj2COY/VnwPxOUEjpI/AAAAAAAAB4s/0rfFBeJn5oE/s200/P1010506.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2W7rAdCZQ3I/VnwQJjQSrDI/AAAAAAAAB40/mE_SZjvIMHQ/s1600/P1010563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2W7rAdCZQ3I/VnwQJjQSrDI/AAAAAAAAB40/mE_SZjvIMHQ/s200/P1010563.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The drama was to unfold when I left and checked my phone. A friend had offered to come and take Millie out for a walk and to spend time with her, but all the recent renovation works , had caused the inner door handle of the house to malfunction and she wasn't able to get in, and Millie was locked inside. My train trip back from Stirling was spent phoning the builder - on holidays - and arranging for someone to meet us at the house and get ius inside and Millie out. Needless to say she was desperate. Thank goodness it happened then when I was out with my phone, or we could have all been in trouble, as often I take her walking with just keys and no phone.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-11962127723537493072015-12-18T10:56:00.001-03:002015-12-25T06:06:36.973-03:00John Knox House<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-xGpUokcYQ/VnQHM9xVEBI/AAAAAAAAB3k/I4D1fvjbrDI/s1600/P1010333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E-xGpUokcYQ/VnQHM9xVEBI/AAAAAAAAB3k/I4D1fvjbrDI/s200/P1010333.jpg" width="150" /></a> The oldest surviving tenement in Edinburgh, parts dating back to 1470, it seems unbelievable to me that it is still standing and in operation. We who have such a short history, the age of the buildings in Old Town is just amazing.<br />It stretches over 3 floors, with walls 1 metre thick, a stoneturnpike winding staircase, huge tiled fireplaces, and on the 3rd floor, a painted ceiling,&nbsp; oak paneling and massive floor boards.<br /><br />The original residents were the family of James Mossman, a jeweler and goldsmith and keeper of the Royal Mint for the Stuart kings and queens, who joined the wrong side after Queen Mary was forced to abdicate and was part of the revolt that seized Edinburgh Castle for in Mary's name. After 3 years they were removed from the castle and executed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vko-SJBPs-A/VnQGNiiDv8I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/nmUy4jvcDbs/s1600/P1010329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vko-SJBPs-A/VnQGNiiDv8I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/nmUy4jvcDbs/s200/P1010329.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vko-SJBPs-A/VnQGNiiDv8I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/nmUy4jvcDbs/s1600/P1010329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I</a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYklN2zuKJ4/VnQGUC36cBI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/kK7G2h2edJw/s1600/P1010327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qYklN2zuKJ4/VnQGUC36cBI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/kK7G2h2edJw/s200/P1010327.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ8txgKkfWs/VnQF78pwrII/AAAAAAAAB3I/OpbLNWE8bhU/s1600/P1010331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQ8txgKkfWs/VnQF78pwrII/AAAAAAAAB3I/OpbLNWE8bhU/s200/P1010331.jpg" width="200" /></a> It is the connection with John Knox that has saved to house through attempts to demolish it and widen the street. Although he was only connected with the house for a very short time, but it is believed he died there.<br />John Know was a famous religious reformerof the time, a powerful speaker with great influence over the common people and a powerful figure after the Reformation in Scotland<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_U1aHoH2dw/VnQHjPbwhwI/AAAAAAAAB3s/Sw3GhLjzobI/s1600/P1010324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_U1aHoH2dw/VnQHjPbwhwI/AAAAAAAAB3s/Sw3GhLjzobI/s200/P1010324.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-26197086776106225862015-12-18T07:03:00.001-03:002015-12-18T07:03:29.788-03:00Scottish Parliament<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qg48yYOckVI/VnPVfHk_ktI/AAAAAAAAB2U/bPj-pHrMymc/s1600/P1010317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qg48yYOckVI/VnPVfHk_ktI/AAAAAAAAB2U/bPj-pHrMymc/s200/P1010317.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;I had hoped to get back for the First Minister's question time, but it was all booked and the last before Christmas - maybe next time!<br /><br />The Parliament building certainly creates an impression. A modern concrete confection nestled below Arthur's seat and opposite the Palace of Holyrood, it is one of those buildings either loved or hated, but certainly unable to be ignored. Created by architect Enric Miralles and opened in 2005, many aspects of the design are symbolic.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5CU4dsGqrvg/VnPVo5xZ-yI/AAAAAAAAB2k/n0paF6XW4hw/s1600/P1010318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5CU4dsGqrvg/VnPVo5xZ-yI/AAAAAAAAB2k/n0paF6XW4hw/s200/P1010318.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkFiVltfI0c/VnPVi8lAUNI/AAAAAAAAB2c/UwLGlhvugbs/s1600/P1010319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dkFiVltfI0c/VnPVi8lAUNI/AAAAAAAAB2c/UwLGlhvugbs/s200/P1010319.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;The Main Hall inside the public entry has a low, triple arched ceiling of polished concrete resembling a cave or castle vault and is rather dark, but vast and spacious.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga8DAM5fq5g/VnPVv-9I3zI/AAAAAAAAB2s/DcW9ydBBRSA/s1600/P1010322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ga8DAM5fq5g/VnPVv-9I3zI/AAAAAAAAB2s/DcW9ydBBRSA/s200/P1010322.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The Debating Chamber, above the Main Hall is the opposite and is light and airy with massive overhead oak beams, sycamore and glass to "shine the light on democracy". Certainly different to many of the parliamentary chambers I have visited. There are no set seats and no massive tables, it would be interesting to get to a sitting session.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-21243093838450065612015-12-16T13:44:00.002-03:002015-12-16T13:44:55.810-03:00Virgin Money Street of Light&nbsp;An event that lights up Edinburgh's old town, with over 26 arches and 60,000 lights that create a stunning canopy overhead in the Royal Mile..<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwsztxZUtSg/VnGS7nZCo1I/AAAAAAAAB10/Kk3qT23XLA4/s1600/P1010365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwsztxZUtSg/VnGS7nZCo1I/AAAAAAAAB10/Kk3qT23XLA4/s200/P1010365.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3RvdJ2KuZ70/VnGS_JIqshI/AAAAAAAAB18/pWyHGUO6Di4/s1600/P1010353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3RvdJ2KuZ70/VnGS_JIqshI/AAAAAAAAB18/pWyHGUO6Di4/s200/P1010353.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;The lights are synchronised to music played and sung by choirs from across Edinburgh and provide a 20 minute spectacle enjoyed several times nightly, with some nights about 5000 people in the space. Thank goodness last night it was no where near that crowded and there was plenty of room to move about and getting home after was ot a big challengs<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXTVEF3JjWg/VnGSyfcYw_I/AAAAAAAAB1s/PmZYDXAst-4/s1600/P1010374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PXTVEF3JjWg/VnGSyfcYw_I/AAAAAAAAB1s/PmZYDXAst-4/s320/P1010374.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oV7rljnavA0/VnGTEukGMeI/AAAAAAAAB2E/7BDYyRqka9U/s1600/P1010375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oV7rljnavA0/VnGTEukGMeI/AAAAAAAAB2E/7BDYyRqka9U/s320/P1010375.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-23493096557362778262015-12-16T13:31:00.000-03:002015-12-16T13:31:06.736-03:00The Palace of Holyroodhouse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKXctQBS8aU/VnGMHHLER2I/AAAAAAAAB1E/P0cEEHlhy-0/s1600/P1010380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WKXctQBS8aU/VnGMHHLER2I/AAAAAAAAB1E/P0cEEHlhy-0/s200/P1010380.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;Still a fully working Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse is open for viewing, but not photographing, inside at least. The Queen spends several weeks there over the summer and conducts her Garden Party, welcomes dignitaries, installs new knights etc and hols receptions and other state occasions.<br />The Abbey was founded in 1128, and is now in ruins. The castle grew from the extensions of the monastic buildings, surrounded by gardens,&nbsp; the kings preferring to live here rather than at the castle.<br />James 1Vconverting the royal lodgings in the Abbey into a Palace<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mary, Queen of Scots came to live at Holyroodhouse after her return from France, and her quarters are open for viewing as are the State Apartments, Great Hall, Dining room etc and the all the major rooms of State still used by the Royal Family for official purposes.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5SEdh5t6ekY/VnGMsFKiGVI/AAAAAAAAB1U/BbWGURtUCa0/s1600/P1010395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5SEdh5t6ekY/VnGMsFKiGVI/AAAAAAAAB1U/BbWGURtUCa0/s200/P1010395.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>There are some amazing tapestries and art works in addition to many of the artifacts relating to the various occupants. Many of the art works by&nbsp; famous Scottish artists can also be seen n the Queen's Gallery<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3euc9hHINPo/VnGM0iztLbI/AAAAAAAAB1c/dUuFtR8Zgu8/s1600/P1010401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3euc9hHINPo/VnGM0iztLbI/AAAAAAAAB1c/dUuFtR8Zgu8/s200/P1010401.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-10340779438434764022015-12-13T14:53:00.003-03:002015-12-13T14:53:54.305-03:00The Espy, Portobello<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zI5sAH5TDU/Vm2tdzP1MnI/AAAAAAAAB0s/V9IDgt3wVbg/s1600/P1010292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8zI5sAH5TDU/Vm2tdzP1MnI/AAAAAAAAB0s/V9IDgt3wVbg/s320/P1010292.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>With a name like The Espy, and being a Melbourne girl of a certain generation, I had to go visit this pub. Situated on the Promenade, like it's counterpartt in St Kilda on the Esplanade, the Esplanade Hotel certainly has an "Aussie" touch. The publican, I believe, is a Melbournian, and I don't know if the hotel has always been the Esplanade, but it is now. is welcoming and has a great menu, with a few Aussie<br /><br />I little closer to the beach than our Espy, but itprobably is in a better state. The last I heard I think our Espy was in danger of being demolished for the inevitable progress.<br /><br />The food is good, the staff friendly and the Aussie theme prevails, although there were no other Aussie's around that I could hear. I believe the owner has another pub in Edinburgh, this time with a Kiwi theme.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OItLFGl1ej4/Vm2tcKl9F1I/AAAAAAAAB0k/BLIfGw8SFyo/s1600/P1010293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OItLFGl1ej4/Vm2tcKl9F1I/AAAAAAAAB0k/BLIfGw8SFyo/s320/P1010293.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6bZVnEwtZU/Vm2tktCKDXI/AAAAAAAAB00/ixsevY89GW0/s1600/P1010295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F6bZVnEwtZU/Vm2tktCKDXI/AAAAAAAAB00/ixsevY89GW0/s320/P1010295.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-32124788585589767392015-12-13T14:27:00.001-03:002015-12-13T14:27:34.174-03:00Edinburgh Farmers Market<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptk37p2D6qE/Vm2nTKawa6I/AAAAAAAABz8/UmEaV7X0Nks/s1600/P1010246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptk37p2D6qE/Vm2nTKawa6I/AAAAAAAABz8/UmEaV7X0Nks/s200/P1010246.jpg" width="200" /></a> Yesterday I went off to the Farmers Market. held every Saturday morning on Castle Terrace at the base of the castle. I am sure there are lots more stalls in the better weather, but there was a good choice of Organic vegetable, lots of exotic meats and fish and a variety of other goodies. Enough to fill my backpack with some food for the week at least.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgpHQw5kYeU/Vm2nccLjgoI/AAAAAAAAB0E/ppm4TVhDXek/s1600/P1010247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fgpHQw5kYeU/Vm2nccLjgoI/AAAAAAAAB0E/ppm4TVhDXek/s200/P1010247.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WK5OtNQ-Ykk/Vm2nEwvz6YI/AAAAAAAABz0/0uMHGZfHht8/s1600/P1010250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WK5OtNQ-Ykk/Vm2nEwvz6YI/AAAAAAAABz0/0uMHGZfHht8/s200/P1010250.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIHxM5xt1GE/Vm2niMEgJZI/AAAAAAAAB0M/ZTctVMiAnWo/s1600/P1010248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wIHxM5xt1GE/Vm2niMEgJZI/AAAAAAAAB0M/ZTctVMiAnWo/s200/P1010248.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vex3ThJ-yNY/Vm2nqF9qdtI/AAAAAAAAB0U/6VQIiPsaPVo/s1600/P1010249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vex3ThJ-yNY/Vm2nqF9qdtI/AAAAAAAAB0U/6VQIiPsaPVo/s200/P1010249.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-42525306953105001342015-12-11T14:21:00.004-03:002015-12-11T14:21:48.572-03:00Rosslyn Chapel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NW8Xmcwvyl4/Vmr75fB635I/AAAAAAAABzE/h2ZdER0_8dc/s1600/P1010244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NW8Xmcwvyl4/Vmr75fB635I/AAAAAAAABzE/h2ZdER0_8dc/s200/P1010244.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;What an amazing, enigmatic and mystical building this is, After an hour's journey an buses and with the rain coming down I had my doubts as to my choice of days to visit, but I am so glad I went, it is a wondrous and beautiful place. Built over 2 intersecting ley lines, it is a stunning example of medieval architecture and the art of the stonemasons. The interior carvings are wonders to behold.<br /><br /><br />Founded in 1446, the still functioning chapel has a long and interesting career, which culminated in the fame brought about by the publication of Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code. The book and subsequent film provided the infamy which resulted in a virtual flood of tourists and the therefore the money necessary to continue the much needed renovations.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jl5WkbFiJc8/Vmr8CZr9P7I/AAAAAAAABzM/AJmxcu05wsc/s1600/P1010239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jl5WkbFiJc8/Vmr8CZr9P7I/AAAAAAAABzM/AJmxcu05wsc/s200/P1010239.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;Because it is still a working chapel, with regular services, baptisms, weddings etc, photography is not permitted within - otherwise I don't think many would ever leave - there is just so much to see. The only problem is that much of it involves looking up and that becomes very hard on the neck after a while. The stonework is amazing, with carving filling every nook and cranny and the barrel vaulted roof is just fabulous. You could spend days exploring and still not appreciate all the work involved.<br /><br />The chapel also has supposed connections to the Knights Templar and the Freemasons and so the messages presented by all the interior works can be interpreted either in a Christian biblical way of in terms of the Templars and Masonry<br /><br />There are many claims, suppositions and theories about Rosslyn all of which create an aura of intrigue and mystery, which is a wonderful place to visit even on a cold winter day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRUjBY3pDDs/Vmr8Rz1DgHI/AAAAAAAABzU/UsbtuwEj-tk/s1600/P1010233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRUjBY3pDDs/Vmr8Rz1DgHI/AAAAAAAABzU/UsbtuwEj-tk/s200/P1010233.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;I did visit today especially because there was a harp recital for the Christmas celebration, and the 13 year old played beautifully. The harp was perfectly suited to the chapel and the atmosphere was very tranquil and peaceful. A lovely visit.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qT9c-VMh42s/Vmr8ca119II/AAAAAAAABzc/oosuS4B0KHo/s1600/P1010243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qT9c-VMh42s/Vmr8ca119II/AAAAAAAABzc/oosuS4B0KHo/s200/P1010243.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JHcWlyeT-E/Vmr9VR-Ih6I/AAAAAAAABzk/2GbDpEqQzWc/s1600/P1010241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0JHcWlyeT-E/Vmr9VR-Ih6I/AAAAAAAABzk/2GbDpEqQzWc/s200/P1010241.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-41569401760394879012015-12-09T11:48:00.001-03:002015-12-09T11:48:43.842-03:00Edinburgh Castle<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-di3UJtwgxkM/Vmg7dcuAhUI/AAAAAAAAByg/Ej-bNm5l_rU/s1600/P1010158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-di3UJtwgxkM/Vmg7dcuAhUI/AAAAAAAAByg/Ej-bNm5l_rU/s200/P1010158.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;On my first day I went into the centre to buy my bus pass, and as it was such a lovely day - well it's all relative, the rain had stopped, there was no wind and there were moments when the sun peeped out, I decided to follow the upward winding road towards the Castle on the hill. The hills sure are steep around that part of town!.<br /><br />But finally I made it to the castle. The good thing about traveling out of season, is that there are hardly any other people - no long queues of other tourists, and as I had bought an Historic Scotland Pass, I didn't have to wait at all. Again it was all uphill from there, following the winding path and listening to the audio as I went. As you can see the views were pretty spectacular, with clear views over the old town,the new town and out over the Firth of Forth.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2u29_coans/Vmg7g8Wag5I/AAAAAAAAByo/mOeICLUQ_ow/s1600/P1010188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2u29_coans/Vmg7g8Wag5I/AAAAAAAAByo/mOeICLUQ_ow/s200/P1010188.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3IOc1Mtn1E/Vmg7WvqyQfI/AAAAAAAAByU/ef-_yPm4Egg/s1600/P1010162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3IOc1Mtn1E/Vmg7WvqyQfI/AAAAAAAAByU/ef-_yPm4Egg/s200/P1010162.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;I will go back for another visit, this time I will make sure I am in the front when the 1 o'clock cannon is fired - somehow people came from everywhere and I couldn't see much at all, and I would like to do the guided tour also, but it was a good start.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jc-B_6XhYrY/Vmg7c5K_uBI/AAAAAAAAByc/Nk6BVmZye2U/s1600/P1010174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jc-B_6XhYrY/Vmg7c5K_uBI/AAAAAAAAByc/Nk6BVmZye2U/s200/P1010174.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tVODVnjw3w4/Vmg8F0zXelI/AAAAAAAABy0/CuN0XN-bGZ4/s1600/P1010192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tVODVnjw3w4/Vmg8F0zXelI/AAAAAAAABy0/CuN0XN-bGZ4/s200/P1010192.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span id="goog_281059850"></span><span id="goog_281059851"></span><span id="goog_894301066"></span><span id="goog_894301067"></span><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-19616609749145534212015-12-07T14:53:00.002-03:002015-12-07T14:53:41.498-03:00Portobello Promenade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHpoFSwOCLY/VmW-QfW_niI/AAAAAAAABw0/XQtQERnLIto/s1600/P1010130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHpoFSwOCLY/VmW-QfW_niI/AAAAAAAABw0/XQtQERnLIto/s200/P1010130.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;Sunday was a total reprieve from all the bad weather. The sun was shining, there was some blue sky and blissfully, no rain or wind. So Millie and I grabbed her ball and headed for the beach.<br /><br /><br />Many of the locals had the same idea and there were lots out walking the promenade and along the beach with their dogs. It was delightful, and as you can see Millie loves the beach and her ball.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzyqPw0b1XI/VmW-VJZGjKI/AAAAAAAABw8/R5VjCHKWsrY/s1600/P1010132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzyqPw0b1XI/VmW-VJZGjKI/AAAAAAAABw8/R5VjCHKWsrY/s200/P1010132.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;Portobello is only 3 miles from the city centre and contains the town's only beach. The suburb has gone through it's seedy days, but I am told is on the up and up now, and is quite delightful. The area contains a mixture of Victorian and Georgian architecture and some delightfully quirky buildings.<br /><br />There is even a pub called the Espy- right there on the promenade which brings up thoughts of Melbourne and the famous or more likely infamous Espy on the Esplanade at St Kilda. Have to go visit there! <br /><br /><br />Great spot to be living for the next month, 'cos I love walking on the beach too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OiAwcPqFuSs/VmW_GahlrkI/AAAAAAAABxk/IiStQw7qlpw/s1600/P1010137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OiAwcPqFuSs/VmW_GahlrkI/AAAAAAAABxk/IiStQw7qlpw/s200/P1010137.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHKnqPD_Jto/VmW-u67N7-I/AAAAAAAABxU/TjHUetGx-Ok/s1600/P1010139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHKnqPD_Jto/VmW-u67N7-I/AAAAAAAABxU/TjHUetGx-Ok/s200/P1010139.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0i-LeOodKs/VmW-27cOMBI/AAAAAAAABxc/czvVXUxzzxQ/s1600/P1010140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B0i-LeOodKs/VmW-27cOMBI/AAAAAAAABxc/czvVXUxzzxQ/s200/P1010140.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-41833882596756855022015-12-07T14:08:00.001-03:002015-12-07T14:08:20.511-03:00Home from Skye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6C-SmH2j7E/VmSSMxz2hZI/AAAAAAAABwU/idHOr0yYszs/s1600/P1010109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e6C-SmH2j7E/VmSSMxz2hZI/AAAAAAAABwU/idHOr0yYszs/s200/P1010109.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Our final day was quite a day- the weather was so bad there were times when I actually wondered if we were going to make it safely or at all. Started the day with the news that the Forth Road Bridge had developed some cracks and was to be closed for up to 3 weeks, and as the bridge is the major route from the north it was going to cause some delays getting back to town. Added to that was the weather forecast of gale force winds and rain - great outlook for the day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMFkGmNpCrw/VmSSDwXOBzI/AAAAAAAABwE/l1FeYymvKDQ/s1600/P1010114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DMFkGmNpCrw/VmSSDwXOBzI/AAAAAAAABwE/l1FeYymvKDQ/s200/P1010114.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We did manage most of the photo stops without too much rain, including Eilean Donan and Urquhart Castles and then headed for Inverness for a brief look and a lunch stop.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_udKd2QkoFo/VmSSJ6bbYKI/AAAAAAAABwM/DmmmCa9te5E/s1600/P1010116%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_udKd2QkoFo/VmSSJ6bbYKI/AAAAAAAABwM/DmmmCa9te5E/s200/P1010116%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Here I did think I was going to be blown into the River Ness the wind was so strong. As you can see the river is flowing full and strong.<br />After several more stops along the way at some prehistoric burial cairns and finally the lovely Victorian town of Pitlorchy, it was a very roundabout route to Edinburgh through gale force winds and driving rain- certainly not an enjoyable trip. The motorway at times was at a complete standstill and the road covered by sheets of water.<br /><br />After finally arriving I had my first experience catching the bus home from the centre, still in driving rain and strong winds, and in the dark - I looked and felt a total wreck by the time I blew in the door. But the house was lovely and warm and Nicola had again cooked a lovely soup.<br /><br />It was good to be home but it was a great trip <br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-81605745072064552352015-12-06T15:27:00.001-03:002015-12-06T15:27:12.414-03:00Photo Fanatacism or Selfie AbsorptionI had to have a laugh on the trip watching people and their cameras, and came to the conclusion that we are a society totally absorbed in seeing ourselves on screen. With the advent of digital photography, smart phones and the horrendous "selfie stick" tourists spend more than 1/2 their time photographing themselves in front of whatever, often making silly faces or "funny" gestures.<br /><br />I watched in wonder as a man marched through a very crowded Heathrow airport, selfie stick held out in front and talking to himself as everyone else had to scatter to avoid being poked in the eye by his selfie stick or run over by his trailing trolley.<br /><br />On my Skye tour I traveled with a family of 3 from Singapore and a young couple from Hong Kong and watched in wonder as they took la multitudes of photos - selfies, individual and group photos in front of everything, every time we stopped. Then of course, there was the obligatory photo of every plate of food to be consumed. I really do wonder how many of these photos are ever viewed again, and how much of the sights and scenery peole actually saw as they pose and organised, or maybe I am just getting cynical as well as old!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-20283496195896769462015-12-06T14:43:00.001-03:002015-12-06T14:43:09.204-03:00The Isle of Skye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXs4vJ6KNOE/VmRjrnwCrNI/AAAAAAAABvA/5azd3IoEXQA/s1600/P1010041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXs4vJ6KNOE/VmRjrnwCrNI/AAAAAAAABvA/5azd3IoEXQA/s200/P1010041.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i7MegD8lD3Q/VmRTTrTLwLI/AAAAAAAABp0/s1610EBR3-Q/s1600/P1010034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i7MegD8lD3Q/VmRTTrTLwLI/AAAAAAAABp0/s1610EBR3-Q/s200/P1010034.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GC3xljNohUo/VmRTfeia3qI/AAAAAAAABqE/uoqYbWfTyHo/s1600/P1010041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Accommodation on Skye is predominantly Bed and Breakfast, and tourism plays a vital role in the island's economy, so there are a large number of these establishments. Our 2 nights were spent in Kyleakin, a small fishing village that was left behind when the road bridge was built, and is off the main tourist route. The driver explained that other tour companies controlled most of the bookings in the main city of Portree and so later companies are unable to find accommodation there. We had 6 in the tour group and 3 of us were at Cliffe House, comfortable and friendly and the views were lovely, but the village very small and nothing was open in the evenings, including eating places on the Thursday night - a bit of a challenge!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqEtUOUbf_8/VmRq1b4HsCI/AAAAAAAABvU/-5r2aDzNP1k/s1600/P1010049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dqEtUOUbf_8/VmRq1b4HsCI/AAAAAAAABvU/-5r2aDzNP1k/s200/P1010049.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">There are many small villages on the island and many single cottages scattered throughout. They stand out because there is no vegetation, much of he island being peat bogs, so it is a vast and bleak, lonely&nbsp; landscape.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the top of the island is Kilt rock, with it's spectacular waterfall down into the ocean, and the Quiraing, with it's rocky outcrops and formations dominates with a brooding presence. There is a walking trail right through the area, and even in winter we saw some intrepid walkers on the trails.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RHP_AmgoX4/VmRvmiDXMSI/AAAAAAAABvs/V3WTH9LK36E/s1600/P1010083.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5RHP_AmgoX4/VmRvmiDXMSI/AAAAAAAABvs/V3WTH9LK36E/s200/P1010083.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQLoDeJ47B4/VmRvb-3AH8I/AAAAAAAABvg/JrVKNLfAwSk/s1600/P1010084.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YQLoDeJ47B4/VmRvb-3AH8I/AAAAAAAABvg/JrVKNLfAwSk/s200/P1010084.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The main town of Portree is considerably larger and a very pretty port town, with it's colourful buildings along the port.Unfortunately, our time there was all to short, and dominated by the necessity to find an early dinner, as nothing was available in Kyleakin.<br />The complete lack of any form of nightlife on the journey gave me a chance to catch up on sleep and get over the jet lag, so there was a good side to it all.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mlV5f2cy7U/VmRdyuyXvcI/AAAAAAAABss/P6aNAuka_Cg/s1600/P1010104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mlV5f2cy7U/VmRdyuyXvcI/AAAAAAAABss/P6aNAuka_Cg/s200/P1010104.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_EwKE7JknMA/VmRTwbMFuxI/AAAAAAAABqU/-fDsS4685i4/s1600/P1010091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_EwKE7JknMA/VmRTwbMFuxI/AAAAAAAABqU/-fDsS4685i4/s200/P1010091.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGfolwlp64Q/VmRxb5LTi8I/AAAAAAAABv4/a3haycsDNpc/s1600/P1010099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGfolwlp64Q/VmRxb5LTi8I/AAAAAAAABv4/a3haycsDNpc/s200/P1010099.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-57791751941272110032015-12-06T12:54:00.001-03:002015-12-06T12:58:10.065-03:00The HighlandsAfter a day to re-adjust and get to know Nicola, Millie and my new home away from home, I set out on a 3 day tour into the Highlands to the Isle of Skye.<br />The first thing I have to say is that the weather has been appalling, until today, since I arrived. It has rained continually creating quite severe flooding and on Friday, the last day of the tour, the winds were gale force and made traveling pretty scarey<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDD4kgdczkQ/VmRS-z8O6PI/AAAAAAAABpU/i6u9Z3P_2dU/s1600/P1010013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EDD4kgdczkQ/VmRS-z8O6PI/AAAAAAAABpU/i6u9Z3P_2dU/s200/P1010013.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAobHwIpR18/VmRV6nt9RiI/AAAAAAAABrM/Zge7qNeplJA/s1600/P1010046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WAobHwIpR18/VmRV6nt9RiI/AAAAAAAABrM/Zge7qNeplJA/s200/P1010046.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />&nbsp;That said though, it wasn't too cold, and we did manage to spend lots of time out of the bus at most sights, although the wind was too bad for the ferry trip to Skye.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz0N7-6qX2U/VmRS-r9PLPI/AAAAAAAABpQ/AKniI3hjPD8/s1600/P1010017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mz0N7-6qX2U/VmRS-r9PLPI/AAAAAAAABpQ/AKniI3hjPD8/s200/P1010017.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><br /><br />After leaving Fort William we followed the railway line, famous&nbsp; as the line that carries the Hogwarts express (Harry Potter, for those who don't know) to Glenfinnan to see the viaduct over which the train traveled followed by the flying blue car - too windy when we were there<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcMsZenGopA/VmRS6RTp9FI/AAAAAAAABpE/g3Fq7uBXrY8/s1600/P1010020%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcMsZenGopA/VmRS6RTp9FI/AAAAAAAABpE/g3Fq7uBXrY8/s200/P1010020%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;As the ferry wasn't running it was back to Fort William and onto Skye, stopping first to photograph the famous Eilean Donan castle, quite a brooding presence with the lights. It was only 4pm. but there are not many hours of daylight at this time of year.<br />The castle has featured in many movies - Highlander, James Bond's The World is not Enough and even in a Bollywood blockbuster.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HHfB5ny3YI/VmRTHrqekqI/AAAAAAAABpk/NkHbxYRFNxo/s1600/P1010030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HHfB5ny3YI/VmRTHrqekqI/AAAAAAAABpk/NkHbxYRFNxo/s320/P1010030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-91134673711103448222015-12-01T09:08:00.002-03:002015-12-01T09:08:52.084-03:00Edinburgh.Another Christmas holiday adventure begins. After a very long and mildly exciting journey across the world yet again, I am finally here in Portobello, Edinburgh to start yet another house sit adventure.<br />The journey was very long - Melbourne to Dubai, where we all had to decamp with all the gear, tired and grumpy after lots of hours with little sleep, followed by a&nbsp; frantic journey through yet another security check, before being loaded straight back onto the same plane. Then another 8 hours of ???? before a number of attempted landings at Heathrow. Lousy day, lots of wind and rain and an almost landing before we roared back up into yet another circle pattern. The journey on the screen showed lots of loops around and around as we had to wait after loosing our turn caused by the aborted landing. It was getting a little bumpy and uncomfortable with lots of people turning white, but finally we made the ground.<br />This was followed by the joys of an enormous airport, a bus trip to another terminal and a very thorough immigration official - had my doubts there for a while as the whether he was going to let me in. Lots of questions and proof of my return ticket and finally I was allowed into the UK. Certainly has changed since last time I came in. <br />Yet more drama on the final leg of the journey, with lots of passengers but no crew - both the flight crew and the inside crew had been delayed on previous flights, so we all waited in the bus until they finally arrived.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEiMIvuAW88/Vl2Ha4yJIoI/AAAAAAAABoc/eWtMXifRAfA/s1600/P1010005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEiMIvuAW88/Vl2Ha4yJIoI/AAAAAAAABoc/eWtMXifRAfA/s200/P1010005.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>But it is absolutely wonderful to be here, Edinburgh has been on the top of of my list for house sits and here I am in a lovely newly renovated home with a great dog and just a short walk from the beach. Portobello is just a short bus ride from central Edinburgh on the Firth of Forth and quite a trendy suburb I think.<br />Nicola has only just moved into her newly renovated downstairs home, so it is all fresh and new and the back garden is delightful. I am looking forward to exploring.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXNfosQ1azI/Vl2Hx59fUiI/AAAAAAAABok/fZr3ZiHVS58/s1600/P1010003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXNfosQ1azI/Vl2Hx59fUiI/AAAAAAAABok/fZr3ZiHVS58/s320/P1010003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>&nbsp;Tomorrow I head off on a 3 day trip to the Isle of Skye and I did hear they have had the first snow for the season, so it should be beautiful.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iqj7LpUOXp4/Vl2IBIvDYAI/AAAAAAAABos/K7k12tdSE_8/s1600/P1010004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iqj7LpUOXp4/Vl2IBIvDYAI/AAAAAAAABos/K7k12tdSE_8/s200/P1010004.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-79447753364951017102015-01-07T14:27:00.001-03:002015-01-07T14:27:36.026-03:00Millennium Park<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqCyxpUotFI/VK1aEzzHywI/AAAAAAAABi4/aC5KXJ18UAA/s1600/IMG_2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqCyxpUotFI/VK1aEzzHywI/AAAAAAAABi4/aC5KXJ18UAA/s1600/IMG_2213.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pritzker Pavilion an outdoor ampitheatre </td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;Millennium Park is actually the world's biggest rooftop garden, or so&nbsp; they claim, and is built above a busy parking garage and the Millennium Statiion/<br /><br />It houses many places to visit, but on a blow 0c Chicago day, an hour or so was all I was up for.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5F8jG50zWB8/VK1aDF09ZmI/AAAAAAAABis/UhgGR6aNRTw/s1600/IMG_2212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5F8jG50zWB8/VK1aDF09ZmI/AAAAAAAABis/UhgGR6aNRTw/s1600/IMG_2212.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;It would be lovely to wander through on a warm day. and is in the centre of the downtown ares<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAsae-uC18s/VK1aJEgr8II/AAAAAAAABjY/hiOcuFtBN1Y/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LAsae-uC18s/VK1aJEgr8II/AAAAAAAABjY/hiOcuFtBN1Y/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;The Magic Bean is the most popular attraction, it's smooth silver surface reflects the city skyline, and even on a very cold day, attracts a large crowd. This was around 11.00am and you can still see the ice on the top surface.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4ZGRsN8FTE/VK1aKFAa5-I/AAAAAAAABjg/9fzYkWLF0Ts/s1600/IMG_2218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4ZGRsN8FTE/VK1aKFAa5-I/AAAAAAAABjg/9fzYkWLF0Ts/s1600/IMG_2218.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>&nbsp;Finally with frozen fingers and toes, I decided enough was enough and headed for the warmth.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5mfF25Szusc/VK1aQPQLUjI/AAAAAAAABkI/6zxpZ90A5ZU/s1600/IMG_2223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5mfF25Szusc/VK1aQPQLUjI/AAAAAAAABkI/6zxpZ90A5ZU/s1600/IMG_2223.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gpiygMHcRI/VK1aX178u2I/AAAAAAAABlA/26eJZjvfb2c/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--gpiygMHcRI/VK1aX178u2I/AAAAAAAABlA/26eJZjvfb2c/s1600/IMG_2230.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgZEEEc4mvg/VK1aTNhOseI/AAAAAAAABkc/VabQzEve1mQ/s1600/IMG_2226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgZEEEc4mvg/VK1aTNhOseI/AAAAAAAABkc/VabQzEve1mQ/s1600/IMG_2226.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aiTDEAwNA4U/VK1aY8YjpyI/AAAAAAAABlI/8TQ3MwsWYog/s1600/IMG_2231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aiTDEAwNA4U/VK1aY8YjpyI/AAAAAAAABlI/8TQ3MwsWYog/s1600/IMG_2231.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-10064347108248101292015-01-07T13:27:00.001-03:002015-01-07T13:27:14.160-03:00Constitutional Right<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZvvAb6Xeg0/VK1ahACXF1I/AAAAAAAABmc/CiHX8qLWoiU/s1600/IMG_2243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZvvAb6Xeg0/VK1ahACXF1I/AAAAAAAABmc/CiHX8qLWoiU/s1600/IMG_2243.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>I find it quite confronting when opening a door to a shop or at the entrance to a railway station, to see this sign&nbsp; prominently displayed literally at eye level and in my face, then to read these type of headlines <div class="tools"><a class="button print-story" href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-31/toddler-shoots-kills-mother-at-walmart/5993946#"><span class="icon-12x9"></span> </a></div><h1><span style="color: #073763;">Toddler shoots, kills mother at Walmart store in northern Idaho</span></h1><div class="first"><span style="color: #073763;">A two-year-old boy shot dead his mother when he pulled a handgun from her handbag and accidentally fired it in a Walmart store in the US, police say.</span></div><div class="first"><br /></div><div class="first">Why, I wonder, does a person going shopping need to have a gun in their handbag, particularly when there are small children in the vicinity? It is beyond me why this "right to bear arms" is such a part of everyday life and so hotly defended when this type of "accident" is all to frequent.</div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-34112025725054838592015-01-04T17:25:00.002-03:002015-01-04T17:25:22.287-03:00Winter Begins?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMUrRAC6N3A/VKmdHNSsD2I/AAAAAAAABhg/EiALTpufvvw/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wMUrRAC6N3A/VKmdHNSsD2I/AAAAAAAABhg/EiALTpufvvw/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;Or so all the forecasts say. It started snowing yesterday morning, then as the day warmed, all turned to rain. Today the snow has been a little heavier and more constant, but the temperature is still hovering around the 0C mark. All the forecasts predict this is just the start of what is going to be a bitterly freezing week, with extremely low temperatures.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85XtKTr5IJ4/VKmd5H_lvKI/AAAAAAAABh0/_TNRZdWMsSY/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85XtKTr5IJ4/VKmd5H_lvKI/AAAAAAAABh0/_TNRZdWMsSY/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>&nbsp;As you can see the beach no longer looks so inviting, the water no longer calm and the waves are crashing to shore, but thank goodness there is still not much wind - that could be the killer<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw50kReU_LI/VKmd6MP5igI/AAAAAAAABh8/-F02NpQX0VU/s1600/IMG_2207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lw50kReU_LI/VKmd6MP5igI/AAAAAAAABh8/-F02NpQX0VU/s1600/IMG_2207.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>&nbsp;George loves it, he gets all frisky and loves his walks, they may decrease in length if the cold comes as predicted, the part of me that really feels it is my fingers - I lost me best gloves, but I don't think even they would help. I actually have been wearing my snow boots and even using the leg brace, as it is the ice under the snow that is the challenge, although the snowploughs are out and about all the time.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zO2cuWxn72M/VKmc6elY-eI/AAAAAAAABhU/4EkS1Bj7JpM/s1600/IMG_2204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zO2cuWxn72M/VKmc6elY-eI/AAAAAAAABhU/4EkS1Bj7JpM/s1600/IMG_2204.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uM201S1IWYc/VKmd7uz3fOI/AAAAAAAABiM/Q8k_9BngrN0/s1600/IMG_2208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uM201S1IWYc/VKmd7uz3fOI/AAAAAAAABiM/Q8k_9BngrN0/s1600/IMG_2208.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14970096.post-20996884544172570142015-01-01T13:36:00.001-03:002015-01-01T13:36:10.640-03:00Happy New Year 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYjzS3po26c/VKVtgaXcvnI/AAAAAAAABfs/WiM0tq5FzeU/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sYjzS3po26c/VKVtgaXcvnI/AAAAAAAABfs/WiM0tq5FzeU/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8m60CaCeuw/VKVtdm9ZMqI/AAAAAAAABfk/Lt5B9R9EK74/s1600/IMG_2163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y8m60CaCeuw/VKVtdm9ZMqI/AAAAAAAABfk/Lt5B9R9EK74/s1600/IMG_2163.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>After a later awakening this morning, (the upstairs dweller didn't bounce out and into the shower until 7.15), George and I headed out for his early constitutional&nbsp; . Another beautiful, sunny and crisp morning, but a mere -7c today. Lake Michigan was totally calm with the outgoing tide just lapping the shore gently and the high tide mark glistening with a crisp coating of ice and icicles and the surface showing the first stages of ice. I doesn't freeze, but there was just a film of ice over the surface. A beautiful way to start the new year, may it continue as calm and serene.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpWwoTM7mu0/VKVthhqzfZI/AAAAAAAABf0/4F3DyMtoN9s/s1600/IMG_2165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpWwoTM7mu0/VKVthhqzfZI/AAAAAAAABf0/4F3DyMtoN9s/s1600/IMG_2165.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkG7klklB9k/VKVtcRKdoHI/AAAAAAAABfc/DUd5c9mCgeI/s1600/IMG_2164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkG7klklB9k/VKVtcRKdoHI/AAAAAAAABfc/DUd5c9mCgeI/s1600/IMG_2164.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com/?af=85691"><img alt="" src="http://secure.spiritualcinemacircle.com/images/database/27.jpeg" border="0" imageid="65" /></a></div>Barbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915604765009294189noreply@blogger.com0